Dog Charmer by Tom Shelby
Terrier Afraid of Everything

Tom,
We have a 7-month-old Boston Terrier, Maggie, who is fearful of everything including me. She loves me but is afraid if I talk too loud or move fast. Also big-time stranger-danger to anyone new. We also have a 10-year-old Boston, Chloe, who is the best dog, loves everyone and is so laid back. I want Maggie to be happy and not in fear.

If I put a Thundershirt on her, she just sits or lays around like a lump. Most of the time she is a happy dog with weird issues. How do you get a dog over fear? We will love any help you can offer.

Thank you,

David Pollack

Dear David,
Mike Tyson was quoted in Fortune.com, “Everyone has a plan till they get punched in the mouth.” When I read this I immediately related it to dogs. Like the overly confident boxer who gets hit and loses some self assurance, it’s always easier to take the totally uncooperative, overly confident dog and convince him that there are rules that apply to him, and life is better when he cooperates. Trying to take the totally unconfident, insecure, anxious dog and make him confident is much more difficult. Try turning a chicken-heart into a braveheart!

The key is nine words, which I repeat a lot. “Been there, done that, seen that, no big deal.” I had a couple that moved from rural Alabama to midtown Manhattan with a German Shepherd that they described as afraid of nothing, till it got to NYC. First exposures to an elevator, an ambulance siren and the hustle of NYC streets and I met a dog that was described as totally non-aggressive, that was now threatening its owners in its refusal to go out. I had to con the dog into a basket muzzle and drag him into the elevator and through the lobby to get him out. Pulling and dragging I got him off the avenue into a quieter side street and into Central Park, feeding him pieces of chicken every time his tail came out from between his legs. We were out for over two hours, the muzzle was long off and he was slowly but surely adapting to this busy new environment.

David, Maggie needs to be exposed to as much of the world as possible, receiving special treats whenever she shows some guts. The last thing you want to do is tell her it’s okay and give her a treat when she’s cowering because a car backfired. That would be rewarding the fear response! Rather, when she’s cowering, keep moving while acting upbeat to distract and redirect her, and offer her treats when she’s not cowering. Having Chloe with you on walks may start to help, as Maggie will be aware of Chloe’s indifference to the “scary stuff.” By exposing Maggie to more and more of the world with special treats and nothing biting or hurting her, she will become more confident and get into sniffing for gossip instead of reacting fearfully to everything.

I’d also suggest you get the Adaptil plug-in diffuser, and try an Adaptil collar, I’ve seen them help on occasion. You might want to talk to your Vet, or find one who’s into CBD. I’ve seen that work too. With Adaptil, and possible CBD, I’d take off the Thundershirt and just use it for new places and new experiences. Also, play loudly, get her used to your quick movements in play with treats. Stay very upbeat, and be patient with the attitude of “There ain’t nothin to be afraid of here.”

Good luck,

Dog Charmer Tom